Spring is finally here, and it’s time to freshen up and give yourself a spring clean – and yes, that means de-fuzzing your winter face. What’s the best way to shave without causing shaving irritation?

Our step-by-step plan has everything you need to achieve the perfect spring shave. You’re welcome!

1 – The right preparation

Fail to prepare, prepare to fail. If you treat shaving like a chore or afterthought,
chances are it will turn into one.

If you have a big bushy beard going on, you should start with a quick trim with a pair of scissors. But once you’ve trimmed, it’s still not time to grab your razor. Shaving will always be easier when your skin is moist and warm. So, once your beard is a manageable size, pat your face with a hot, damp towel to help soften your stubble.

Try to carry out general maintenance every day, such as daily exfoliating, to help condition
your skin to be less susceptible to shaving irritation. It’s important to take your time; rush the shave and you will just damage your skin. More on that in step four!

2 – The right timing

It’s amazing how often people overlook this step, even though it can make a massive
difference to the outcome of your shave.

If you haven’t shaved in a while, your skin will be far more sensitive than last time. If you
work weekdays, perhaps shave on Friday night, giving your skin a couple of days to calm
down after that initial shave, before your triumphant, baby-faced return to the office.

Despite being considered a morning task, it can be beneficial to shave in the evening, particularly after a hot shower. That way you’re not in a rush and you can dedicate the time and care to making your shave extra smooth.

3 – The right tools

The tools you use are hugely important. Luckily for you, we’re experts in this and
after 60 years of shaving innovation, we’ve got you covered.

Pick a Dorco razor from our range of pioneering products. We’ve introduced a new
Dorco shave gel to go with it. It’s the perfect partner for you razor; apply it generously over your face, then rub into a lather to soften the hairs, making them easier to cut.

4 – The right technique

‘Slow and steady shaves the face’ – that’s the saying, right?

Take your time and don’t cut corners. Shaving against the grain might save time in the short term, but it leads to shaving irritation, ingrown hairs and bumps in the skin. Professional barbers tend to shave with the grain initially, and then go over it sideways.

Pressing down too much won’ t catch the hairs, pressing too much will cut you. Try
not to shave over the same area again and again, as this is generally the most-recognised cause of razor burn.

Rinse your razor frequently, at least every few strokes, under hot water, to remove any
build-up of shave gel and hair. Rinse the blade thoroughly before you put it away
and give it a shake to dry.

Afterwards, rinse your face with cold water and apply a post-shaving balm or moisturiser to sooth redness. This is particularly important for people with sensitive skin, for whom redness is very difficult to avoid no matter what.

Now you’re all set to get out there in the spring sunshine and show off the new, perfectly groomed you.

5 Valentine’s Gifts She’ll Love

Valentine’s day is upon us, and for loved-up ladies and gents that means the simple task of picking up some chocolates and flowers, making a restaurant reservation, and trying not to annoy your lady friend for a full 24 hours. Easy enough, right? Well, not if you really want to impress her. While chocolates and flowers are the traditional go-to gifts for women, they’re not the most original ideas (not to mention one equals calories and the other eventually dies). So why not deviate from the norm?

If there’s one thing you want a Valentine’s gift to do, it’s to make the recipient feel special, and nothing does that quite like pampering-related paraphernalia. So here are our ideas for feel-good Valentine’s gifts we think she’ll love.

Make-up

Women are more into make-up than ever these days, especially the fancy, expensive, designer kind that all the celebrities use. Obviously if you’re a man we don’t recommend diving headfirst into a make-up department and trying to figure it out for yourself. Instead, ask the assistants to show you the most popular eye-shadow palettes. If it’s close to £40 and the colours aren’t garish and glittery, chances are she’ll like it.

An Illuminated make-up mirror

If your lady usually puts her face on in the streaky bathroom mirror while you watch on from the shower, an illuminated make-up mirror might be a game changer. They’re all over the internet these days, from fancy models by luxury brands, to more affordable versions from high street shops. Either way, they’ll help her apply her make-up much more easily, while making her feel a little bit like a Hollywood star.

A glamorous bathrobe

What’s something you wear every single day and feel 100% comfortable in? Yep, you read it in the headline. Perhaps the most underrated garment in the existence of the universe – besides the poncho of course – the bathrobe is something we wear every day and would probably wear throughout the day if it was considered socially acceptable (and didn’t carry such a risk of accidently flashing people). So a nice posh fluffy bathrobe can make an excellent gift for the lady in your life, especially if she’s a fan of duvet days and Netfix binges. Brownie points if you buy yourself a matching one.

Anything rose scented

Smell is evocative, and there’s no scent associated with romance quite like the sweet heady aroma of roses. While a bouquet is all well and good, a bundle of rose-scented pampering products will last longer and make her feel that bit more special. So be on the lookout for scrubs, body butters, bath oils, bath bombs and scented candles – basically anything that’ll keep her in the bathroom for hours.

The Dorco Eve Razors

We couldn’t go without mentioning our Dorco Eve Razors. Nothing makes a lady feel more fabulous than being preened to perfection, and for all her hair removal needs, this nifty little razor does a beautiful job. A pivoting head and bendable cartridge make it easy to achieve a silky smooth shave, while the calendula and argan oil infused strips leave her skin nourished and moisturised. Just make sure you accompany this gift with a few other pampering bits and pieces – lest she think you’re trying to tell her something.

Note: If you’re really clueless as to what to get your lady this Valentine’s day, there’s always plan B: Ask her.

Keep Your Skin Glowing This Party Season
Bright warm summer days ensure our skin gets a healthy dose of vitamin D and keeps it looking healthy. But winter isn’t quite so kind. Biting cold weather and being cooped up indoors can be pretty harsh on our complexions, which isn’t ideal when you’ve got all those Christmas parties to go to. So how can you restore that summery glow in the midst of winter? We’ve got the answers.

Keep skin hydrated
Late nights, cold weather, and central heating are the enemies of glowing skin, so you need to give it some extra love. If it’s formulated for your skin type, a rich moisturiser with vitamin E should do the trick, as it’s packed with antioxidants that can help protect your skin from the outside world. Moisturising at night is also important, because it’ll give your skin a boost while its restores itself naturally – so look for one that’s specially formulated for night time use too. And remember to moisturise your whole body not just your face.

Restore moisture when cleansing
Harsh cleansing products such as face wipes can rob your skin of its natural oils, which can be even more damaging come winter. For something that hydrates as well as cleanse, we recommend using micellar water instead. If you find it’s not quite powerful enough to remove all your make-up, you can always use your regular method, and use the micellar water to finish up with. The aim is to cleanse your skin of impurities, but not remove essential moisture.

Exfoliate the dullness away
Despite every effort, winter can still dull the most beautiful of complexions, and that’s mostly down to dead skin cells and dryness. Gentle exfoliation each day will keep your skin looking radiant, while allowing your moisturiser to penetrate through the skin layers better without being inhibited by flakes. If you’re using a night cream, then it’s best to exfoliate before bed, as this will help it absorb into the skin better too.

Keep moving
Beauty begins from within, so it goes without saying that a healthy diet and regular exercise is going to benefit your skin. One of the reasons we look more radiant in the summertime is because we’re leading a more active lifestyle, and increasing our circulation. Getting your heart rate up with a little exercise several times a week should have a similar effect. Whether that’s light cardio or a brisk walk to work is entirely up to you.

Stay silky smooth
As it’s winter, it’s tempting to wrap your legs in the thickest tights you can find and not get them out again until April. But that little black dress you’ve bought for the Christmas party is an opportunity to show off your pins. So for super smooth skin that looks flawless all night long, use your Dorco Eve razors, then finish off with your favourite shimmering body moisturiser for a gorgeous glow.

Change your make-up
When you’re cleansed, exfoliated, and hydrated, you should pay extra attention to what’s in your make-up bag. Foundations can work with or against your skin, and what worked for you in the summer might not be appropriate for winter. If you’re prone to dryness then you might want to ditch the powder or matte finish foundations, and opt for a more hydrating formula instead – or a hydrating primer at the very least. And when you’ve got your complexion flawlessly made-up, don’t forget to give that natural glow a little oomph with a little bronzer and highlighter. ‘Tis the season to party after all! Enjoy!

There comes a time in every bearded man’s life when he contemplates the unthinkable: shaving off the beard. It’s a drastic measure, one that can alter your look and the way people perceive you in a matter of minutes. Of course, a smooth shave might work better for the office, and a change of image might put a little pep in your step. But if you decide to ditch the face rug, what will you miss?

1. Your manly edge

This is the number one concern for any gent thinking of shaving his beard – and it’s a legitimate one. No longer will you be looked upon like a man that can chop down a tree. Once you’re beard free, people might think you’re the type of man who pays someone else to do it instead. A beard is the epitome of ruggedness, and quite possibly, the source of all your strength.

2. Being able to stroke it like a pet

Every man with a beard will stroke it when he thinks no one’s looking – especially during a cold and lonely winter’s evening. A beard is like your very own built-in face pet, but one that won’t cost you a fortune in vet bills or destroy your furniture when it’s bored.

3. Beard grooming gear

The modern day man likes to be pampered, and here at Dorco we don’t think there’s anything wrong with that. But if you shave your beard, your trips to the barbers for a trim will be no more, and you’ll have to stop using your fancy beard brush and beard oils.

4. Built-in protection from the elements

Every man with a beard laughs in the face of cold weather. Scarves? Don’t need them – not with that glorious mane growing out of your face. When you have a beard you can stride into a blizzard knowing that you’re appropriately built for harsh weather conditions, leaving your smooth faced friends shivering in your wake.

5. The freedom to creatively adorn

For the man that’s not afraid to be a little flamboyant, beards offer endless possibilities. You can get in touch with your inner Viking and adorn it with braids and beads; you can cover it in fake blood for Halloween, werewolf style; or you can throw a little glitter on it and show the world you’re never too manly to sparkle.

6. Being able to wrestle bears, wolves, and other wild animals

It’s a scientific fact that when a man grows a beard, he develops a primal ability to wrestle dangerous wild animals. While we don’t recommend picking a fight with a grizzly bear, just be aware that if you ever do encounter one, the odds are stacked in your favour. Possibly.

But if you’ve made up your mind you’re going to shave your beard off, then you’re in the right place. We’ve got all the shaving gear to take you from wild and rugged to smooth and respectable in moments. Browse our shaving range for men right here.

Going Hairy for Movember?: How Having Facial Hair Will Change Your Life

What’s your look? Are you rugged and stubbly? Butch and bearded? Or clean-cut and clean-shaven? If it’s the latter, then you might be hopping on the Movember bandwagon this month, and growing some face fuzz to raise money for charity. But what can you expect from a life with facial hair? More attention from the fairer sex? A greater proficiency with rudimentary tools? We’ve got the lowdown.

Women quite like it

Numerous studies and surveys have concluded that some women actually favour a bit of scruff. This is probably because it’s perceived as more masculine. But, of course, facial hair tends to be a bit of a love/hate thing. While the studies revealed that women preferred a bit of stubble over a clean-shaven look, full on beards weren’t quite as desirable.

People will think you’re wiser

But if you go all out for a full face of fuzz, there’s a good chance you’ll be perceived as a wiser person – well, so long as you don’t say anything too daft. From wizards to Jedi masters to enlightened hippies: popular culture is brimming with beardy men who have all the answers. So don’t be surprised if you become the new sage in your friendship circle – a beard makes it look like you know how to handle things.

It can age you – if you need aging

If you’re fresh-faced and ‘blessed’ with age-defying boyish good looks, then you probably spend a lot of time getting ID’d in pubs and supermarkets. Many people would revel in this. But it’s slightly less appealing when you’re in your mid-twenties. Or even thirties. A sprinkling of facial hair, however, can be the perfect antidote, bumping up your age by a few years, and perhaps making people take you a bit more seriously in the process.

Endless possibilities

Rugged stubble, heavy stubble, or designer stubble? A trimmed beard, or a glorious Viking beard? Or how about a handlebar moustache? There are a variety of styles out there that can really sharpen up your look, and half the fun of having facial hair is discovering the one that works for you. Just be prepared for a bit of banter before you find it…

Facial hair is empowering

Sporting some facial hair might very well empower you. As well as getting you more in touch with your primal masculinity, you might find yourself the envy of all your man-peers – some of whom might not be as adept as you at growing their own. It’s likely that you’ll be following in the furry footsteps of your forefathers, all the way back to the cavemen. So grow out that facial hair, grunt, growl, and chop some firewood. This is your birth right!

And when Movember ends don’t forget to stock up on all your favourite Dorco men’s razors to smooth things over. 

If there’s one thing us ladies don’t want to admit to, it’s female facial hair. For those of us dealing with it, it’s a bit of a dark secret – one we’re sure would strike repulsion into the hearts of all men, or land us a job in a travelling circus. Ok, maybe we’re being a bit dramatic. But there’s no denying it’s something we don’t like to talk about.

Despite it being a bit of a taboo, female facial hair is actually pretty common. All women have tiny hairs on their faces, but for unluckier ladies, it grows thicker and coarser, so becomes more noticeable. This can be caused by a variety of things, from hormonal changes and certain medications to simply having bothersome genes. Fortunately, you’re not resigned to living with a face full of fuzz: there are plenty of things you can do to for a silky smooth complexion – both short-term and long-term.

Taking care of fuzziness

Shaving: Shaving is quick, easy, and fuss-free – and if men can manage it on a daily basis, then we can too. For internet beauty guru Huda Kattan known for her Insta-perfect complexion, this is the way to go. The Dorco Eve range adapts to your skin while shaving, meaning it’ll work just as well on facial hair as it does on your pins. Just make sure you’ve got your favourite aftershave balm or lotion handy, so your skin doesn’t become irritated.

Waxing: While waxing is an effective short-term fix, it can be painful and leave your face a fetching shade of lobster red. Numerous brands make facial wax strips that you can use at home, though you might find it preferable to get a professional to do it in a salon instead.

Hair removal creams: There are plenty of hair removal creams on the market today aimed at the body, but it might surprise you to know that there are similar products out there for facial hair removal too. Like the body versions however, they can result in irritation if they don’t agree with your skin, or if you leave them on for too long. Use with caution and do a test patch first. 

Laser: One of the best-known long-term solutions for unwanted hair is laser hair removal. It works by targeting highly concentrated light into the pigment within the hair, destroying it in the process. It’s quick (it can take less than a minute to treat the upper lip area), and it takes a couple of days for the sunburn-like redness to subside. Contrary to popular belief however, laser hair removal isn’t a permanent solution – you’ll need regular top-up sessions for long-term smoothness.

Electrolysis: Those seeking a permanent solution should look to electrolysis instead. Performed by a dermatologist, it works by using an epilator device over the skin which emits shortwave radio frequencies. These damage the follicles so they stop producing hair. However, aside from a little irritation, the skin is mostly unscathed. A course of several sessions is usually required for the best results, although they can be quite pricey.

Check your hormones

If you suspect your facial hair may be caused by a hormonal imbalance (usually too much testosterone), it’s worth a trip to your local GP to get it checked out. It could indicate a more pressing health issue like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Smoot sailing

In today’s Insta-ready world, female facial hair can be quite a dent to our confidence. But you’re certainly not alone: from singer Adele to actress Thandie Newton some of the world’s most admired and beautiful women have faced facial hair problems. Of course with all the treatments available these days, it’s not something anyone has to put up with anymore – a fuzz free face is just a razor or laser away.

Extreme Manscaping: How to successfully shave off your body hair!

When most men pick up a razor for the first time it’s usually an attempt at ridding those first few hairs off your still youthful teenage face. Perhaps you were shown from a parent, or maybe even a YouTube video these days, but when it comes to hair from the neck down, it’s not quite as straightforward.  A little more time and care is required to make sure you don’t end up with an unwanted injury…

Tip 1: Never shave dry.   You wouldn’t shave your face dry so don’t even think about shaving your body without any protection either. Shaving foam or gel helps the razor glide over your skin and will help to avoid any nasty little nicks or cuts.  A razor with lubricant like the Aloe Vera, Vitamin E and Lavender Oil infused moisturising strips on the Dorco Pace 6 Plus will help to calm the skin too.

Tip 2: Don’t rush it.   The body has lots of grooves, crevices, sticky out bits and lots of things that you don’t want to cut so make sure that you take your time.

Take a shower or bath first as this helps to soften the hair and open the pores.   Much like you would use warm water on your face before shaving, the same rules apply here.   Stretch the skin as you go just like you would on your face and be extra careful around sensitive areas like your nipples.  You don’t want to end up with a bathroom that looks like a horror movie set by the time you’re finished.

Tip 3: Avoid cheap, single blade razors. More blades, like the six you’ll find on the Dorco 6 Pace helps you to achieve a smooth and irritation free finish, especially on tricky areas like around your knees and ankles.   A razor with more blades usually helps to achieve a smooth result more quickly, so you can spend less time going over the same area.

Written by John Robertson
Visit blog: http://theeverydayman.co.uk/blog/shave-body-sport

Men: Shaving with Sunburn

Sunburn. We’ve all been caught out. Whether you forgot to reapply the SPF, or you nodded off by the pool after one too many mojitos, it happens to the very best of us. So if the summer sun has turned your face into a fetching shade of lobster red, what can you do to minimise the damage? And for the smooth-faced men among us, is it still a good idea to shave your scorched skin? Gents, we’ve got the answers.

When you’re left red faced     

Us guys are quick enough to slap sun cream on our backs, arms, legs, and chests. But many of us neglect our faces – after all, a greasy face isn’t a good look. The problem is, if you’re not wearing a cap, sunglasses, and hiding behind a magnificent beard, you stand a very good chance of burning your face…and that’s not a good look either.

But what happens when you’ve been burned, and you really need a shave? Needless to say, it’s not advisable. Burnt skin is already irritated and needs time to repair; possibly even to shed. Even with the most soothing lotions and potions, shaving can still irritate your skin – so it’s better to let it fix itself first instead of irritating it further. For most mild sunburns, the pain and irritation takes around 3 to 5 days to settle down. For anything more severe it can take quite a while longer. So try embracing a slightly more rugged look for a while.

Fast-tracking your way to healed skin

In the meantime, there are plenty of things you can do to speed up the healing process.

• Cool it: Immediately after burning, take the heat out of sunburned areas by applying cold water, a cold damp cloth, or a bag of frozen peas to the affected area. After-sun products can also help.
• Hydrate: Throughout the healing process make sure you’re rehydrating your skin from the inside out by drinking plenty of water.
• Apply aloe vera gel: Its shining reputation as a sunburn healer is well earned, thanks to compounds that reduce skin inflammation, stimulate repair, and moisturise.
• Apply coconut oil: Raw coconut oil is also fantastic for soothing and moisturising damaged skin, and it smells pretty good too.
• Oatmeal baths: If your sunburn begins to peel and get itchy, then numerous skin gurus, including American dermatologist Dr Rosalyn George, recommend taking a lukewarm oatmeal bath to keep the discomfort to a minimum.

Shaving recently sunburned skin – handle with care

Once your skin has adequately healed, you’ll still want to baby it. Use lukewarm water instead of hot water, and to use aloe vera gel instead of your regular shaving foam. This will cool the skin while ensuring your Dorco razor glides nice and smoothly. It’s also important to use less pressure with your razor than you usually would, and to pat your skin dry once you’re done, rather than rub it.

How about shaving the body?

Because it’s a larger surface area, the worst sunburn us guys usually experience is on our shoulders and torsos. Fortunately, the skin there isn’t quite as delicate as it is on the face – however the same rules still apply. Give the sunburn time to settle down.

Prevention is better than cure

We can’t give you the lowdown on how to deal with sunburn without throwing in a few words about avoiding it in the first place. There’s really not much to it: Be wary of the afternoon sun, cover up if you’re particularly fair, and slather on and keep reapplying the SPF – especially when you’re swimming. When it comes to sunscreens, the higher the SPF the better the protection. Remember, there’s nothing unmanly about wanting to protect your skin. The burn is for the gym, not the beach.

Sun’s out, Legs out

Summer means many things: balmy weather, sizzling BBQs, colourful cocktails, and sun kissed holidays with our nearest and dearest. For girls, it’s also a chance to flaunt those summer fashion trends, which inevitably means showing off our legs.

While the cooler months allow us to hide our peach-fuzzed pins, the summer is all about stripping off, which means it’s a never-ending job to keep them hair free. And unless you want to spend a fortune on waxing, electrolysis, or laser hair removal, it’s up to our trusty razor to do the job.

So what are the best ways to achieve super smooth legs this summer?

Exfoliate!

Anyone who shaves their legs knows that exfoliating is the key to getting a closer shave. Doing so brings the hair further out of the follicle, and also allows your razor to reach hairs that are usually hiding underneath dead skin. What’s more, exfoliating removes all those built-up oils (sunscreen included!), allowing your razor to get closer still. There are plenty of good exfoliating products out there. But you can also create your own natural nourishing alternative: simply mix a cup of soft sugar with half a cup of olive oil, and then add three teaspoons of honey and a teaspoon of aloe vera. You’re welcome.

Foam, cream, gel?

Because the consistency allows your razor to glide better, gels are generally considered to be the best option for a smoother shave. When it comes to leg shaving in particular, however, hair conditioner provides a fantastic, sometimes cheaper alternative. As well as moisturising your skin, it’ll help your razor glide up your pins like a figure skater, taking every hair in its wake.

Fresh blades

Because we’re shaving our legs so much more in the summer, we sometimes don’t take into account that we need to be changing our blades much more often too. Fresh, sharp razor blades will always do a superior job, so ensure you’re changing them on a regular basis. Take a look at our top quality collection of women’s razor blades and women’s disposable razors.

Summer shine

Want your legs to have that gorgeous summery, silky glow? Coconut oil is your friend. As well as smelling and tasting delicious, cold pressed raw coconut oil works wonders for the skin. It’s especially soothing for freshly shaved legs, keeping them extremely well hydrated, as well as protecting any cuts thanks to its antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Fake tan

Everyone likes to catch the rays every now and then. But fake tan is the skin-safe alternative for bronzed skin. Whether you’re getting a professional spray tan or reaching for your bottle of fake tan this summer, it’s better to do it after you’ve shaved your legs, rather than before. Exfoliating and shaving can sometimes fade your healthy new hue, so plan your tan accordingly.

Perfect pins

We know that leg shaving can sometimes be a bit of an effort, but you get the smoothest results if you approach it like a beauty treatment rather than a chore. Think of it as some well deserved pampering. And once your legs are smooth and gorgeous, you’ll be more than happy to chuck away the tights and slip into that pair of denim cut-offs. Hello summer!